The Expanse, #3
Abaddon's Gate
by James S. A. Corey
Contents
Chapter Nine: Bull
Overview
Bull cracks down on Behemoth’s black market by publicly spacing a drug dealer, signaling strict OPA discipline. Captain Ashford erupts but ultimately lets Bull keep his post under the condition that Ashford authorizes future executions. Michio Pa denounces Bull’s methods, while Bull’s amnesty yields more contraband turn-ins.
Summary
Bull, wary of whom to trust on the chaotic, shakedown Behemoth, investigates small-scale black market activity and confirms that nutritionist Alexi Myerson-Freud is selling the stimulant “pixie dust.” Fearing drug-impaired work will endanger the ship, Bull assembles Serge and Corin, seizes Alexi’s stash, and publicly spaces Alexi to set boundaries.
Bull stages the execution in front of a large crowd, then places the seized dust in an airlock, announcing a 16-hour window to add any remaining contraband before it is jettisoned. He frames the action as enforcing OPA discipline on a battleship rather than station policing, aiming to deter further risk to the ship.
Summoned by Captain Ashford, Bull faces fury and a threat of dismissal and confinement. Bull argues that spacing is the Belter response to willful endangerment in a combat-adjacent environment. Ashford relents, letting Bull remain but asserting that he alone will authorize future airlock executions. Bull agrees to the condition.
Back in security, Serge reports that more dust has been anonymously added to the airlock; Bull honors his promise and refuses to flag contributors. Later, Michio Pa sends a message condemning Bull’s brutality and warning she won’t forget it. Bull admits to himself the act weighs on him and that it will again if required.
Who Appears
- Carlos "Bull" BacaBehemoth security chief; busts a drug ring, publicly spaces Alexi, wins conditional backing from Ashford, and triggers Pa’s condemnation.
- Captain Klaes AshfordBehemoth’s captain; outraged by the execution but compromises, keeping Bull in place and reserving authority over future spacings.
- Michio PaExecutive officer; present during the confrontation and later condemns Bull’s methods in a pointed message.
- Alexi Myerson-FreudNutritionist and pixie-dust dealer; arrested by Bull and spaced publicly as a deterrent.
- SergeSecurity team member; assists Bull during the arrest and reports subsequent contraband turn-ins.
- CorinSecurity officer; accompanies Bull on the arrest and supports the hardline display.
- CasimirSecurity team member; greets Bull after the incident as reports of additional dust turn-ins arrive.